US Government Exam Review

Flashcards from lecture notes

Pocket Veto

When the President receives a bill but is unable to reject and return the bill to Congress within 10 days, or sign it, then it does not become a law.

Executive Agreement

An international agreement made by the president of the US, without the need for senate's advice and consent.

Executive Order

A direct order from the president that has the force of a law, a way to manage the executive branch and ensure laws are carried out.

House Leadership Hierarchy

Speaker of the House, Majority Leader, Minority Leader, Whips (Majority and minority whips)

Senate Leadership Hierarchy

Vice President of US, President Pro tempore, senate majority leader, senate minority leader, and senate whips

Discretionary Spending

National defense, homeland security, education, transportation

Mandatory Spending

Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid

Pork Barrel Spending

Funds marked for a certain legislator's district

Logrolling

Legislators making agreements to support each other's bills.

Gerrymandering

The redrawing of legislative boundaries to benefit a particular party.

Delegate Model

A model where a congress person votes for their constituents, according to their preference.

Trustee Model

A model where a congress person uses their own judgement and expertise to make decisions.

Bully Pulpit

When a President explains and advocates for their specific goals, and influences public opinion on certain matters.

State of the Union Purpose

For the President to inform Congress about the condition of the nation and propose legislative priorities to us, Congress.

Stare Decisis

If a previous court rules on a closely related issue, then the court will make a decision closely aligned to previous court's decision.

Judicial Life Terms

Meant to ensure judicial independence, protecting judges from external pressures and political influence.

Bureaucracy Role

To implement and enforce policy.

Congressional Oversight

Power of congress to monitor and review the actions of the executive branch.

Limited Government

No one is above the law, enforced by separation of powers, checks and balances, Federalism.

Natural Rights

Life, liberty, and property.

Popular Sovereignty

Power is with the people.

Social Contract

An agreement to give up some rights to government to protect citizens.

Republicanism

Participation, people control government, pick representatives.

Participatory Democracy

Depends on citizen involvement.

Elite Democracy

Elected representatives make decisions for those that elected them.

Pluralist Democracy

Group based activism in politics - interest groups.

Mandate

Requires states to follow certain guidelines to get money.

Block Grants

Money from the federal government that does not have conditions and strings attached.

Categorical Grants

Money from the federal government that does have conditions and strings attached.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both state and federal government.

Divided Government

One party controls the White House (executive branch) while another party controls one or both houses of US Congress (legislative branch).

US House Number

435 seats divided among the states based on population.

Requirements to be in the House of Representatives

At least 25, be a US citizen for at least seven years, and lives in the State he or she represents.

Requirements to be in the Senate

Be at least 30, be a US Citizen for at least 9 years, and live in the State they represent at the time of election.

Requirements to be President

At least 35 years old, be born in the US, and be a US citizen for 14 years.

Sole Powers of the HOR

Initiate revenue bills and impeachment of federal officials

Expressed Powers of Congress

Article 1, section 8, of US Constitution

Express Powers of SCOTUS

Article I, Section 2, of US Constitution

Standing Committee

Permanent committees that do most congressional work

Joint Committee

Committee with members of both houses that address long term issues

Select Committee

Temporary committees that focus on current issues

Conference Committee

Committee that reconcile house and senate members

Filibuster

Used to stop or delay a vote on a bill

Cloture

The procedure to end a filibuster and move towards a final vote

3/5th Compromise

African slaves count as 3/5th of a person for population purposes

Slave Trade Compromise

An agreement that addressed how enslaved people would be counted for representation in congress and for taxation.

Federalists

Favored a strong central government

Anti-Federalists

Favored State Rights

Tariff

A tax on imported goods.

Great Compromise

Established a bicameral legislature. One based on population called the House of Representatives and one that would have equal representation called the Senate

Electoral College

States determine how electors are chosen. Number of electoral votes that state representing the # of people